Somatic Trauma Therapy Training

SOMATIC TRAUMA THERAPY TRAINING WITH BABETTE ROTHSCHILD

Post-traumatic Stress (PTS) can develop after exposure to traumatic experience(s) and results from imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS prepares to meet a threat, but after the threat is passed or survived, the ANS never returns to its normal, balanced state. Extreme disturbance may lead to symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Effective somatic trauma therapy with PTS involves both cognitive and somatic work. It helps the client not only to remember and psychologically resolve the traumatic situation, but also to restore lost physical reflexes and balance to the ANS. This is done by reviewing the events surrounding the trauma (both before and after its occurrence) – never “reliving” it – and through work with the body that focuses on (re)developing body awareness, body acceptance and body integrity. Central to somatic trauma therapy are the psychological and physical resources that are developed as well as the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Eventually the traumatic event, itself, can be confronted, after most of its effect has been dissipated and balance in the ANS has been restored. Duration of somatic trauma therapy can range from a few sessions to several years, depending on: the nature of the trauma; the age of the client at the time of the trauma; if the trauma is isolated, intertwined with other trauma or continuous; and the client’s resources and strengths.

WORKSHOP 1

This reviews theories of PTSD including those of: Judith Herman M.D., at Harvard University; the Bodynamik Institute, Copenhagen; Peter Levine, Ph.D., Bolder, Colorado. Topics include: Causes of trauma; Psychology of stress and trauma – including the role of dissociation; Physiology of stress and trauma – including the role of ANS; Identification and Diagnosis; Preparing clients for therapy – including building safety in the therapeutic space.

WORKSHOP 2

The focus will be on the theory and technique of treatment. Issues will be explored including transference and counter-transference. Participants will practise Peter Levine’s system of tracking and association (SIBAM) with each other, and will begin to apply theory to the development of their own techniques. There will be continued practise of body awareness, boundary and safety skills.

WORKSHOP 3

Topics covered in this final workshop will be: choosing techniques for use with fellow participants and clients; practising, deepening, integrating and clarifying skills and knowledge gained in the series; introduction and practice of the BODYnamic “running technique” and the appropriate use of the “safe place” and “helpers”; discussion on the recognition of knowing a traumatic event is worked through, how to end a somatic trauma therapy and how to integrate work with trauma into a long-term course of therapy.

BABETTE ROTHSCHILD has a background in Clinical Social Work. She has practised as a psychotherapist since 1976 and trained in Body psychotherapy at the BODYnamik Institute in Denmark. She has also trained in various humanistic psychotherapies. She resides in Los Angeles, but travels extensively to teach, supervise and offer consultancy. She is the author of the forthcoming book The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment (W.W. Norton, November 2000) and The Body Remembers Volume 2, Revolutionizing Trauma Treatment (2017).

DATES: 2018 – 2019 (Course 13) FULL

WORKSHOP 1 – October 12-15 2018

WORKSHOP 2 – May 10-13 2019

WORKSHOP 3 – October 11-14 2019

DATES: 2020 – 2021 (Course 14) Now booking

WORKSHOP 1 – May 8-11 2020

WORKSHOP 2 – October 9-12 2020

WORKSHOP 3 – April 30 – May 3 2021

COST: £1900.00

BOOKING course 13: Please send a deposit of £475.00 followed by a payment of £475.00 on 1st September 2018, a payment of £475.00 on 1st April 2019, and the final payment of £475.00 on 1st September 2019 by bank transfer – please ask for details or by sending a cheque made payable to: CBPC, and brief details about yourself.

Please note that the full fee is payable if for any reason a participant has to withdraw from the course irrespective of the reason once your place has been confirmed. EARLY BOOKING IS ADVISABLE AS THIS COURSE FILLS QUICKLY.